Langpad

Pairs well with short-fried or grilled langoustines with citrus oil, grilled lobster with fennel, stuffed corn-fed chicken with truffle and girolle mushrooms; with aged hard cheeses.

The climate for the 2022 post-harvest period was normal, with no heat spikes or extremely cold temperatures. Like the preceding seasons, it was dry, but adequate irrigation water was available to supplement soils. A dry winter arrived late and high day temperatures were still recorded in June. Budding took place a week earlier than the previous season, but still in line with long-term averages. During flowering in October and November the weather was favourable, and berry set satisfactory with full. It was initially a lush growing season with no rain, mild temperatures and few heat spikes. Day temperatures in December and January were cooler than usual, which delayed the onset of harvest. The cool weather continued into February and especially March, which extended the harvest to mid-April

The soil is 100% sand and with that comes the opportunity to make use of flood irrigation whereas the whole vineyard gets flooded, allowing the water to filter down through the sand into the deep roots of the vine. Picked in small crates, from the truck and straight into whole-bunch pressing. Natural fermentation started after about 3 days. Thereafter wine was kept on the lees for as long as possible, because that is where the “magic” happens as complex flavours and texture develops. Because nature has already done the work, the winemaking process is kept as natural as possible with minimal interference.

Naudé Wines is the culmination of a journey that began more than 30 years ago. Since that first harvest I’ve worked all over the world hoping to craft wines that tell a story of time and place. I love the diversity we have in South Africa. Not just of the people but the soils the microclimates and the wine varietals that thrive under their own unique conditions. I’m fortunate to have been introduced to a few of these vineyards and work with some of the wonderful grapes that they produce many of these from certified old vines. The grapes on these vines are storied complex and unique. Each year they represent something different – whatever nature allows them – and with any luck I don’t get in the way.